TOKYO: Japanese Emperor Naruhito formally proclaimed his ascendancy to the throne on Tuesday in a centuries-old ceremony attended by dignitaries from more than 180 countries, pledging to fulfil his duty as a symbol of the state. Abe then led the assembled dignitaries in giving three “banzai” cheers for the Emperor. Naruhito is unusual among recent Japanese emperors since his only child, 17-year-old Aiko, is female and as such cannot inherit the throne. Though many Japanese welcomed the enthronement ceremony, some shrugged it off as a nuisance. “The emperor is necessary now as a symbol of the people, but at some point, the emperor will no longer be necessary.

Source: New Strait Times October 22, 2019 04:30 UTC